As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. To that end, a new Rotary Peace Center has opened in Pune, India, expanding Rotary’s global peacebuilding footprint into South Asia.
The Rotary Peace Centers train professionals in peacebuilding and conflict resolution in order to promote peace and cooperation worldwide. The centers are located at universities throughout the world with strong programs in peace studies, conflict prevention, and sustainable development.
Since the program began in 2002, Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,800 Peace Fellows who now work in over 140 countries.
Many serve as leaders in governments, NGOs, educational institutions, research organizations, peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies, and international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.
Each of the Rotary Peace Centers offers one of two tailored programs, with each university focusing on a different aspect of peacebuilding.
Master’s Program
Designed for early-career professionals, this 12-year, on-site program includes hands-on field experience. It equips up to 50 Fellows a year (10 per center) with the knowledge and practical tools necessary for peacebuilding.
Certificate Program
The one-year blended learning certificate program is for mid-career professionals already working in the field. Each year, 80 Fellows (40 per center) deepen their expertise and boost the impact of the projects they’re already working on.
Now, with the addition of the Pune Peace Center, Rotary is making this life-changing opportunity accessible to people working to promote peace initiatives across India and neighboring regions.
Both programs are fully funded by Rotary and include tuition, room and board, travel to and from their home to the university, field study and research expenses, course materials, and insurance. Peace Fellows receive additional support from Rotarians in clubs near the university.
Want to get involved or learn more? Here’s how:
Learn more about Rotary Peace Fellowships:
You can learn about the program and prerequisites here. Applications will be available online in February.
Read more about Rotary’s peacebuilding initiatives:
Download the Rotary Builds Peace brochure.
Enroll in the free Positive Peace Academy
Take a free, two-hour online course developed with the Institute for Economics & Peace: Positive Peace Academy
Donate to help fund the Rotary Peace Centers
Click here, then under Areas of Focus, click on Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention